A case of Plummer-Vinson syndrome treated with endoscopic bougienage / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Plummer-Vinson syndrome comprises the triad of dysphagia, iron-deficiency anemia and postcricoid esophageal web. Its report in our country is very rare. A 39-year-old woman developed dysphagia and odynophagia progressively for 10 years from solid meal to a liquid. Endoscopy revealed a pink-colored membrane and a pin-point, eccentric opening present just below the upper esophageal sphincter. Esophagography with barium contrast revealed a thin, eccenteric, radiolucent bar across the esophagus on the level of thoracic inlet and partial obstruction is suggested by dilatation of the proximal portion of esophageal web. For relief of dysphagia, endoscopic bougienage was planned. After endoscopic bougienage, it was allowed passage of endoscope to distal esophagus and she felt good for swallowing of solids. Endoscopic bougienage should be considered in Plummer-Vinson syndrome with severe stenotic lesions whose clinical condition is worsening in spite of tranditional supportive care.